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Tony Evers
49.2%
#22 of 50

Tony Evers

Wisconsin D | 2nd term
2019-01-07Took Office 7 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 813 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

231/300
77%

Section B: State Outcomes

570/975
58%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+12 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 231/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
All four biennial budgets (2019-21, 2021-23, 2023-25, 2025-27) submitted on schedule. 2025-27 proposal totaled $98B with $4B for education and $2B in tax relief. Consistent delivery despite R supermajority in legislature.
WI Governor's Budget Proposals; WI DOA Budget Office; Wisconsin Examiner Feb 2025
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
LFB revenue forecasts generally accurate. Pandemic-year revenues exceeded projections by ~$4B due to federal aid and recovery. FY2024-25 ended with $4.3B general fund surplus. Some slight misses in FY2023-24 but overall surpluses every year of tenure.
WI Legislative Fiscal Bureau Revenue Estimates; WI DOR Revenue Data; WPR Nov 2024
2
Rainy day fund management
Budget Stabilization Fund hit $1.9B by end of FY2023-24 — all-time record even inflation-adjusted. Up from ~$630M at start of tenure (tripled). Evers proposed raising it to $2.4B in 2025-27 budget. General fund has run surpluses every year since Evers took office.
WI State Treasurer Reports; Gov. Press Release Oct 2024; WPR
3
State credit rating trajectory
Moody's upgraded WI GO bonds to Aa1 (stable outlook). S&P raised to AA+ (stable). Both upgrades during Evers tenure reflecting strong reserves, 100%-funded pension, and conservative budgeting. Among top 10 state credit ratings nationally.
Moody's WI GO Upgrade; S&P Global AA+ Rating; Bond Buyer 2024
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
WRS 98.8% funded as of Dec 31, 2024 (highest among comparable plans) — best-funded state pension in America. $153B in assets, 703,000+ members. Unique risk-sharing design adjusts benefits to match funding. National median is 77.8%. Maintained 100%+ through Evers tenure.
WRS CAFR FY2024; ETF 2024 Report; Legislative Audit Bureau Report 25-16
3
Debt per capita trajectory
WI debt per capita ~$2,226. Total state debt ~$13B with $6.6B in GO bonds outstanding as of July 2024. $1.8B new GO bonds issued FY2024-25 ($667M for UW facilities, $403M for transportation). Well within statutory debt limits. Conservative debt management.
WI DOA Capital Finance; Reason Foundation 2025 State Report; Statista FY2024
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
ACFR published within statutory deadlines each fiscal year. Legislative Audit Bureau Report 25-33 covers FY2024-25 financial statements. No late filings. Clean reporting standards maintained throughout tenure.
WI DOA ACFR Records; LAB Report 25-33; GASB Compliance Records
3
Audit findings — material weaknesses
Legislative Audit Bureau (nonpartisan, est. 1966) reports consistently clean — no material weaknesses in statewide financial statements 2019-2025. LAB conducts ~50 audits annually. FY2024-25 audit found no significant deficiencies.
WI Legislative Audit Bureau Reports 2019-2025; LAB Report 25-33
3
Federal grant fund accounting
WI received $2.53B in ARPA SLFRF funds. $411M+ distributed to 1,825 local governments, $400M+ to health services, $130M for workforce shortage, $45M for violence prevention. Legislature blocked some allocations. No federal audit findings or clawbacks.
USASpending.gov — Wisconsin; ARPA SLFRF Allocation Records; Gov. Press Releases
2
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
WI DWD experienced pandemic UI fraud losses estimated at $550M-$600M (moderate vs national avg). Implemented ID.me identity verification in 2021. DWD referred ~47,000 fraud cases. Recovery efforts ongoing. Not among worst-hit states (California lost $31B+).
WI DWD Fraud Reports; DOL OIG — Wisconsin; PolitiFact WI
2
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
General fund surplus every year of Evers tenure (had deficit before). $7.1B projected surplus entering 2023-25 biennium; $4.3B surplus entering 2025-27. Revenue exceeded expenditures consistently. Record-high budget balances confirmed by PolitiFact (Jan 2025).
WI LFB Budget Reports; WI DOR Revenue Data; PolitiFact Jan 2025
3
Capital budget execution rate
$1.8B in GO bonds issued FY2024-25: $667M for UW System academic facilities, $403M for transportation projects. 2025-27 budget proposes $500M prison overhaul including new juvenile facility in Dane County. Capital projects generally on track with some delays.
WI DOA Division of State Facilities; Bond Sale Records 2024-25
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Renegotiated Foxconn deal (2021): reduced max subsidies from ~$2.85B to $80M, saving taxpayers ~$2.77B. Original Walker-era deal promised 13,000 jobs/$10B investment; new deal: 1,454 jobs/$672M investment. WEDC oversight strengthened. No major procurement scandals.
WI DOA Procurement Records; WEDC Foxconn Reports; WPR Apr 2021
3
Federal funding maximization
Secured $2.53B ARPA SLFRF plus $1B+ BEAD broadband funding (NTIA approved WI's proposal to connect 175,000+ locations). Captured IIJA transportation and infrastructure funds. Used partial vetoes to redirect some federal spending. Missed ~$1.6B in Medicaid expansion funds (legislature blocked).
USASpending.gov — Wisconsin; NTIA BEAD Approval; WI PSC Press Release
2
Program eligibility verification systems
DWD implemented ID.me identity verification post-pandemic fraud. DHS uses SAVE system for federal program eligibility. BadgerCare Plus covers adults to 100% FPL with proper verification. Standard compliance, no CMS corrective actions.
WI DWD Reports; WI DHS Eligibility Data; CMS Compliance Records
3
Signature legislation enacted
Near-zero signature legislation enacted due to R supermajority. Medicaid expansion, gun control, marijuana legalization, $15 minimum wage all blocked. Signed 2023-25 budget with 51 partial vetoes to reshape priorities. Rare bipartisan win: postpartum BadgerCare extended to 12 months (signed 2025). Most impact via vetoes and EOs, not legislation.
WI Legislature Bill Tracking; Wisconsin Examiner 2025
1
Veto override rate
Zero veto overrides despite R supermajority. Evers vetoed 126 bills in 2021-22 session alone (record), 72 in 2023-24, 15+ in 2025. R legislature lacked 2/3 supermajority needed for override in both chambers. WI's unique partial veto power (striking digits/words) gave Evers additional leverage.
WI Legislature Journal; Governor's Veto Records; WisconsinWatch Nov 2025
2
Bipartisan bills signed
Minimal bipartisan legislation. R legislature sent Evers few signable bills. Rare bipartisan wins: postpartum Medicaid extension (60 days to 12 months, 2025), PFAS regulation bills ($133M funding released), some criminal justice measures. Major priorities (Medicaid expansion, gun control, marijuana, minimum wage) blocked on party lines.
WI Legislature Vote Records 2019-2025; Wisconsin Examiner
1
Special sessions called
Called special session on gun control (Nov 2019) for universal background checks and red flag law — Senate gaveled in/out in 30 seconds, Assembly in ~10 seconds. Called special sessions on Medicaid expansion and other issues — all similarly dismissed. Zero legislative action from any special session.
WI Governor's Special Session Proclamations; WPR; Capitol Times Nov 2019
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
COVID Safer at Home order (issued Mar 25, extended to May 26) struck down 4-3 by WI Supreme Court (Legislature v. Palm, May 13, 2020) — first state high court to overturn a governor's stay-at-home order. Court ruled DHS Sec.-designee Palm exceeded statutory authority by not promulgating as administrative rule. Significant legal defeat left WI without statewide COVID restrictions.
Wisconsin Legislature v. Palm, 2020 WI 42; WI Supreme Court May 2020
1
Line-item veto usage
Most creative partial vetoes in WI history. Struck '20' and a hyphen from '2024-25' to create '2425' — locking $325/pupil annual increase through year 2425. Upheld 4-3 by WI Supreme Court (Apr 18, 2025, Lemieux v. Evers). Largest per-pupil revenue limit increase since limits imposed in 1993-94. Made 51 partial vetoes on 2023-25 budget and 78 on 2025-27 budget.
WI Constitution Art. V §10; Lemieux v. Evers, 2025 WI 12; PBS/NPR Jul 2023
3
Regulatory burden change
Limited regulatory expansion — R legislature blocked most new rules. Signed EO #40 (Aug 2019) establishing PFAS Action Council. Signed new PFAS/lead regulations aligning with EPA standards (2025). Environmental regulations via DNR rulemaking where possible. Legislature blocked labor and wage regulations.
WI Register of Administrative Rules; EO #40; WPR PFAS Regulations 2025
2
Budget negotiation success
Evers' budget proposals systematically gutted by Joint Finance Committee (R-controlled). 2023-25: proposed Medicaid expansion ($1.6B in federal savings), $2B+ education increase, $15 minimum wage — all removed. Evers used 51 partial vetoes to reshape enacted budget. Adversarial process — zero collaborative negotiation. 2025-27 budget similarly rewritten by JFC.
WI LFB Budget Comparisons; Governor's Budget vs Enacted; WI JFC Records
1
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Medicaid expansion (70%+ support in Marquette polls) blocked by R legislature every session since 2019. Marijuana legalization (~60% support) blocked. Universal background checks (~80% support per Evers) blocked. Legislature sent gun control special session home in 30 seconds. Only WI without coverage gap among non-expansion states, which Rs cite as justification.
WI Legislature Records; Marquette Law School Poll; WPR Gun Control Session
1
Legislative relationship
Most adversarial governor-legislature relationship in America. Dec 2018: R lame-duck extraordinary session passed Act 369 stripping incoming Evers' powers before inauguration (upheld by WI Supreme Court 2020). Senate rejected 21 Evers appointees (vs 4 rejections in prior 40 years). DHS Sec.-designee Palm never confirmed. Legislature sued Evers, struck COVID order, gaveled special sessions in seconds. Evers vetoed 126 bills in 2021-22 session alone (record). Speaker Vos led obstruction strategy.
2018 Extraordinary Session Act 369; WI Supreme Court Records; WPR; Wisconsin Examiner
0
Implementation of voter-approved measures
WI advisory referenda: 16 of 16 counties that had Medicaid expansion referendum in 2018 voted YES — legislature ignored results. Apr 2024: voters approved constitutional amendment banning non-citizen voting (Evers did not oppose). Evers compliant with binding measures including court-ordered redistricting.
WI Elections Commission Referendum Results; Apr 2024 Constitutional Amendment
2
Task force follow-through
Broadband task force led to $1B+ BEAD federal broadband investment (NTIA approved WI proposal, connecting 175,000+ locations with $397M in matching funds). PFAS Action Council (EO #40) led to $133M in PFAS funding released. Criminal Justice Reform Commission established. Energy task force recommendations issued. Follow-through constrained by legislature on most fronts.
WI Governor's Task Force Reports; NTIA BEAD Approval; WI PSC
2
Policy reversals under pressure
Remarkably consistent on core positions across 7+ years despite total legislative opposition. Proposed Medicaid expansion in all four biennial budgets (blocked each time). Held firm on education funding, gun control, environmental protection, minimum wage. No significant policy reversals under pressure. Announced he will not seek 3rd term (Jul 2025) — not a reversal, term limit self-imposed.
Governor's Policy Statements; Legislative History; Marquette Poll Jul 2025
2
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No Evers appointees charged with crimes or subject to substantiated ethics complaints. Clean record across all agency heads and board appointments throughout 7+ years in office. Senate rejected 21 appointees on political grounds, not ethics grounds.
WI Court Records; WI Ethics Commission; Senate Confirmation Records
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Nearly 180 Evers appointees remained unconfirmed entering 2nd term. Senate rejected 21 appointees since 2019 (vs only 4 rejections in prior 40 years). DHS Sec.-designee Andrea Palm never confirmed despite managing COVID response — left for Biden HHS. Seven appointees fired in single day (Mar 2024) including elections commissioner and DNR board members.
WPR Jan 2023; WI Senate Confirmation Records; Wisconsin Examiner Oct 2023/Mar 2024
2
State employee turnover
State workforce turnover elevated during COVID but stabilized. Evers secured 4% pay raise in FY2024 and 2% in FY2025 through budget. Bypassed R-controlled Joint Committee on Employment Relations to implement raises after 2024 Supreme Court ruling. 2025-27 budget includes 3% + 2% pay increases ($385M). Act 10 legacy (Walker era) still affects recruitment.
WI DPM Workforce Reports; WPR Aug 2024; Wisconsin Examiner Aug 2025
3
Diversity of appointments
Evers increased diversity of appointments compared to predecessor. WI is ~83% white, ~6.5% Black, ~7% Hispanic. Appointed first Black DHS secretary-designee (Andrea Palm was white; subsequent appointments more diverse). Board appointments included more women and minorities than prior administrations. Legislature rejected some diverse appointees on political grounds.
Governor's Appointment Records; Census ACS WI Demographics; WPR
2
Judicial appointment quality
WI Supreme Court justices elected (not appointed by governor). Evers made circuit court appointments to fill vacancies — standard quality. Key judicial shift: Apr 2023 election of Janet Protasiewicz flipped WI Supreme Court to 4-3 liberal majority, enabling redistricting reform and upholding Evers' 400-year veto. Not Evers' appointment but shaped by political environment.
WI Court System Records; WI Supreme Court Elections 2023
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Evers secured cumulative ~11% in pay raises (4% FY2024 + 2% FY2025 + 3% FY2026 + 2% FY2027). Speaker Vos threatened to block UW raises unless DEI programs cut. Evers bypassed Joint Committee using 2024 Supreme Court ruling. Still below private sector in some areas. Act 10 (2011) eliminated most collective bargaining — Evers cannot restore without legislature.
WI DPM Compensation Data; WPR Aug 2024; Wisconsin Examiner Oct 2023
2
Whistleblower protection
WI Statutes §230.83 provides whistleblower protections for state employees. No documented retaliation cases during Evers tenure. Evers has not sought to weaken protections. Ethics Commission maintains complaint intake process.
WI Statutes §230.83; WI Ethics Commission Records 2019-2025
3
Inspector General independence
Legislative Audit Bureau (nonpartisan, reports to Joint Legislative Audit Committee) operates independently. Conducts ~50 audits/year including WRS pension, state financials, agency programs. No interference by Evers administration documented. LAB State Auditor appointed by legislative committee, not governor.
WI Legislative Audit Bureau Records; LAB Annual Reports
2
State employee morale
Morale recovering from Act 10 era (2011 collective bargaining restrictions). Evers provided cumulative ~11% raises 2024-2027, reversing years of stagnation. Cannot restore collective bargaining without legislature. COVID-era burnout in DHS and DWD. State workforce recruitment challenges persist in corrections (staffing shortages at multiple prisons).
WI DPM Employee Survey; WI DOC Staffing Reports; WPR
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism or cronyism. Evers was career educator: science teacher, principal, CESA administrator, 3-term elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction (2009-2019). No political machine connections. Appointments based on qualifications, not patronage.
WI Ethics Records; Evers Biography; DPI Records
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff charged with crimes during Evers tenure (7+ years). Clean administration across all cabinet-level and senior staff positions. No indictments, no investigations, no resignations under ethical cloud.
WI Court Records; WI Ethics Commission; Media Reports 2019-2026
3
Agency performance accountability
DHS managed COVID response (complicated by Supreme Court striking stay-at-home order). WEDC renegotiated Foxconn deal saving $2.77B. DNR advanced PFAS regulations. DWD recovered from pandemic UI fraud. Lincoln Hills juvenile facility reforms achieved full compliance with 50 court-ordered reforms. No catastrophic agency failures.
WI Agency Performance Reports; WEDC Foxconn Reports; WI DOC Lincoln Hills Compliance
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely emergency declarations: COVID-19 (Mar 2020), Kenosha unrest (state of emergency Aug 23, 2020), western WI flooding, winter storms. Declared emergency and activated National Guard within 24 hours of Jacob Blake shooting. Multiple FEMA disaster declarations secured.
WI WEM Records; FEMA Disaster Declarations — Wisconsin; Governor's Emergency Orders
3
FEMA Public Assistance secured
FEMA Public Assistance secured for qualifying disasters including severe storms, flooding in western WI, and COVID-19. WI has moderate disaster exposure (floods, severe winter storms, tornadoes). Federal disaster reimbursements captured at standard rates. No major FEMA disputes.
FEMA PA Records — Wisconsin; USASpending.gov Disaster Grants
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Budget Stabilization Fund hit $1.9B (FY2023-24) — all-time record even adjusted for inflation. Evers proposed increasing to $2.4B in 2025-27 budget. Combined with $4.3B general fund surplus, WI has strongest fiscal reserves in state history. Adequate for any foreseeable emergency.
WI State Treasurer Reports; Governor's 2025-27 Budget Proposal; WPR
3
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
No mass casualty events from infrastructure failure. Waukesha Christmas Parade attack (Nov 21, 2021): Darrell Brooks drove SUV through parade killing 6, injuring 60+. Brooks had been released on $1,000 bail 2 days earlier after running over his ex-girlfriend. Milwaukee County DA called bail recommendation 'inappropriately low.' Led to WI constitutional amendment on bail reform (2023). Not directly governor's failure but systemic justice gap.
WI DEM Records; Waukesha County Court Records; CNN/NPR Nov 2021
2
Post-disaster recovery
Post-disaster recovery handled competently. Western WI flooding recovery progressing with federal and state coordination. ARPA funds directed to infrastructure resilience. COVID economic recovery strong — WI unemployment dropped to 3.1% (Dec 2024), well below national average of 4.2%.
FEMA PA Records; WI WEM Reports; BLS LAUS Dec 2024
2
Public health emergency response
COVID: Safer at Home order (Mar 25, 2020) struck down 4-3 by WI Supreme Court (May 13, 2020) — first state court to overturn governor's COVID order. Response fractured to county level after ruling. WI COVID death rate near national average (~185/100K). Vaccination: 67% fully vaccinated (near national avg). DHS Sec.-designee Palm managed response without Senate confirmation.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — WI; Legislature v. Palm, 2020 WI 42; WI DHS COVID Dashboard
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
No major infrastructure failures during tenure. Power grid stable via MISO interconnection — no Texas-style grid failures. Water systems functional. PFAS contamination identified and addressed via EO #40 and $133M legislative funding. Bridge conditions adequate per FHWA data. Dam safety programs maintained.
MISO Operations Data; WI DNR Water/PFAS Reports; FHWA Bridge Data — WI
3
National Guard deployment appropriateness
Kenosha unrest (Aug 2020): Guard activated Aug 24 (day after Jacob Blake shooting) — initially 125 troops, scaled to 250 by Aug 25 (night of Rittenhouse shootings), 500 by Aug 26, ~1,000 by Aug 28 with MI/AZ/AL Guard reinforcements. Criticized for initially deploying too few. Guard also deployed for COVID support and pre-Rittenhouse verdict (500 troops, Nov 2021).
WI National Guard Records; Military.com; CNN/NBC Chicago
2
Emergency communication
Regular COVID briefings from governor's office and DHS. Initial Kenosha messaging criticized — Evers' statement on Jacob Blake shooting focused on police accountability before full facts known, angering some. Improved communication for Rittenhouse verdict (Nov 2021) with pre-positioned Guard and community messaging. Known for quiet, understated communication style.
Governor's Office Media; WI WEM Communication Records; Media Analysis
2
Interagency coordination
Interagency coordination adequate but fractured after Supreme Court struck statewide COVID order (May 2020), forcing county-by-county response. Kenosha: WEM coordinated with National Guard, local law enforcement, and federal agents (~200 deployed). DHS, DWD, WEDC coordinated ARPA fund distribution ($2.53B). No major coordination failures.
WI WEM After-Action Reports; ARPA Coordination Records
2
Pandemic response metrics
WI COVID death rate ~185/100K (near national avg ~335/100K cumulative). Vaccination: 67% fully vaccinated. After Supreme Court struck stay-at-home order (May 2020), WI became patchwork of county-level responses. Some rural counties had no restrictions while Milwaukee/Dane had strict rules. Evers' emergency powers permanently constrained by court ruling.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — WI; Johns Hopkins Data; Legislature v. Palm
2
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Standard disaster preparedness for flood, severe storm, and tornado risks. ARPA funds directed to infrastructure resilience. WI WEM maintains emergency plans for all 72 counties. Legislature blocked some infrastructure spending proposals including dam repair and broadband resilience. $1B+ BEAD broadband program (NTIA approved) will improve rural emergency communications.
WI WEM Preparedness Plans; ARPA Infrastructure Investments; NTIA BEAD
2
FOIA/open records compliance
WI Open Records Law (§19.31-19.39) requires response 'as soon as practicable without delay' — no specific deadline. Governor's office generally responsive. Some delays on COVID-related records. DOJ published updated Public Records Law Compliance Guide (June 2025). No major open records lawsuits against governor's office.
WI DOJ Open Records Decisions; WI Statutes §19.31; DOJ PRL Guide Jun 2025
2
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's public schedule posted on evers.wi.gov. Moderate accessibility — not as publicly visible as some governors but schedule available via open records. Known for quiet, low-profile governance style. Press access adequate but not exceptional.
evers.wi.gov; WI Governor's Office Website; Media Reports
2
Campaign finance compliance
Campaign finance reports filed on time for 2018 and 2022 elections. No violations or fines. 2022 campaign raised ~$23M. All donations from domestic sources, properly reported to WI Ethics Commission. No dark money controversies involving governor personally.
WI Ethics Commission Campaign Finance Records; OpenSecrets WI Governor 2022
3
Financial disclosure
Statement of Economic Interests filed annually with Ethics Commission. Former career educator (teacher, principal, CESA admin, 3-term State Superintendent) — limited financial complexity. No significant outside investments or business interests. Governor salary ~$161K/year. Clean financial profile.
WI Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure; WI Statutes Governor Salary
3
Open meetings compliance
No open meetings violations attributed to governor's office. Notably, R legislature's Dec 2018 lame-duck extraordinary session was challenged for open meetings violations (courts ultimately upheld it). Evers administration has maintained compliance with WI Open Meetings Law (§19.81-19.98) throughout tenure.
WI Open Meetings Law Records; 2018 Extraordinary Session Litigation
3
Open data portal
Wisconsin open data portal (data.wi.gov) maintained and functional. Datasets cover health, education, transportation, environment, and fiscal data. DHS COVID dashboard provided real-time pandemic data. Not among top-tier state data portals but adequate and accessible.
data.wi.gov; WI DHS COVID Dashboard; Open Data Rankings
2
Budget transparency
Budget fully transparent via DOA Budget in Brief (published each biennium) and nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis. LFB provides independent revenue estimates and budget comparisons. All budget documents public at doa.wi.gov/budget. ARPA spending tracked via badgerbounceback.wi.gov. Strong budget transparency infrastructure.
WI DOA Budget Publications; WI LFB Reports; badgerbounceback.wi.gov
3
Lobbying disclosure
WI Ethics Commission maintains lobbyist registration and reporting system (eye.wi.gov). Lobbying disclosure reports publicly searchable. ~800+ registered lobbyists. Evers has not sought to weaken lobbying disclosure requirements. Standard compliance with state lobbying laws.
WI Ethics Commission Lobbyist Reports; eye.wi.gov
2
IG report publication
Legislative Audit Bureau publishes all reports at legis.wisconsin.gov/lab — ~50 audits annually. Key reports: WRS pension (Report 25-16), state financial statements (Report 25-33), agency performance audits. All publicly accessible. No suppression of unfavorable audit findings.
WI LAB Website (legis.wisconsin.gov/lab); LAB Reports 2019-2025
3
Legislative audit cooperation
Cooperated with LAB audits throughout tenure. Some tensions over audit scope regarding ARPA fund allocation ($2.53B) and governor's authority to direct spending. LAB conducted comprehensive WRS audit (Report 24-11, Report 25-16) with full administration cooperation. No audit obstruction or interference documented.
WI LAB Records; LAB Reports 24-11, 25-16, 25-33
2
Press conference accessibility
Regular press conferences and media availability. Evers known for 'boring but effective' low-key style — not a media-seeking governor. Regular COVID briefings during pandemic. Press conferences for major policy announcements and emergencies. Accessible but not high-profile. Described as 'calm Midwestern demeanor.'
Governor's Office Media Schedule; Media Analysis; Caffeinated Politics Apr 2024
2
State contract transparency
State procurement contracts available through DOA VendorNet system. Foxconn renegotiated contract publicly disclosed — reduced from ~$2.85B to $80M in subsidies. ARPA spending tracked via badgerbounceback.wi.gov. Standard procurement transparency. No major sole-source controversies.
WI DOA Procurement Division/VendorNet; badgerbounceback.wi.gov
2
Court order compliance
Complied with all court orders including unfavorable WI Supreme Court COVID ruling (Legislature v. Palm, May 2020 — immediately ceased statewide enforcement). Complied with redistricting order (Clarke v. WEC, Dec 2023) — signed new legislative maps Feb 2024 that ended one of worst gerrymanders in US. Did not defy judiciary on any ruling.
WI Court Records; Legislature v. Palm; Clarke v. WEC; Feb 2024 Map Signing
3
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges, indictments, or investigations against Evers in 7+ years as governor or prior career as State Superintendent (3 terms, 2009-2019). Clean personal record across 40+ years in public education and government service.
WI Court Records; DOJ Records; Media Reports 2019-2026
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints filed against Evers with WI Ethics Commission during entire tenure. Zero formal investigations initiated. One of cleanest ethics records among sitting governors nationally.
WI Ethics Commission Records 2019-2026
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed annually per WI Ethics Commission requirements. Career educator with modest financial profile — no significant gifts or luxury travel controversies. Governor's travel primarily in-state with standard security detail. No foreign junkets or industry-sponsored travel.
WI Ethics Commission Gift/Travel Records 2019-2026
3
Conflict of interest
No documented financial conflicts of interest. Former 3-term State Superintendent of Public Instruction (2009-2019) — education policy advocacy is professional background, not financial conflict. No business interests, board memberships, or investments creating conflicts. No blind trust needed given modest financial profile.
WI Ethics Records; Financial Disclosure Statements; DPI History
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political campaigns or personal benefit. No use of state staff, vehicles, or facilities for campaign purposes. Standard separation between official and campaign activities maintained throughout 2022 reelection campaign.
WI Ethics Records; Campaign Finance Reports 2022
3
Truthfulness in official statements
Generally truthful per PolitiFact analysis. Claimed Foxconn renegotiation saved $2.77B (rated partly true — some caveats). Claimed WI was tops in allocating federal funds to businesses (true by one measure). Claimed record budget balances (rated true, Jan 2025). Some disputed claims within normal political range. No pattern of systematic dishonesty.
PolitiFact Tony Evers File; Governor's Public Statements
2
Protection of ethics infrastructure
Maintained WI Ethics Commission authority and funding. Did not seek to weaken ethics oversight despite R legislature's use of Ethics Commission against his appointees. Ethics Commission (6 members, bipartisan) continues to function independently. Supported campaign finance transparency and lobbying disclosure requirements.
WI Ethics Commission Budget Records; WI Statutes Ch. 19
3
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing or emoluments violations. Career public servant since 1970s: science teacher, principal, CESA administrator, State Superintendent (2009-2019), Governor (2019-present). No private business interests, no family businesses receiving state contracts, no enrichment from office.
WI Financial Disclosure Records; Ethics Commission
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
No documented pay-to-play or donor-to-contract pipeline. 2022 campaign raised ~$23M from broad donor base. No major donors identified as receiving state contracts in return. Foxconn renegotiation (reducing subsidies from $2.85B to $80M) actually went against corporate donor interests. Clean procurement record.
WI Campaign Finance Records; WI Procurement Records; OpenSecrets
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. No FARA registrations associated with Evers or administration officials. Foxconn (Taiwanese company) deal was inherited and renegotiated to reduce subsidies. No foreign government contacts, trips, or donations. Career domestic educator/politician with no international business ties.
DOJ FARA Database; WI Ethics Commission; Campaign Finance Records
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims filed against the governor or governor's office staff. No settlements, no investigations, no complaints. Clean workplace environment maintained throughout 7+ year tenure.
WI DPM Records; WI Ethics Commission; Court Records
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction or preservation violations. Governor's records maintained per WI Records Retention Schedule. No allegations of deleted emails, destroyed documents, or improperly withheld records. State Archives (WI Historical Society) maintains gubernatorial records per statute.
WI Historical Society Archives; WI Records Retention Schedule
3
Revolving door
Career trajectory: science teacher (1970s-80s) to principal to CESA administrator to 3-term State Superintendent (2009-2019) to Governor (2019-present). Announced will not seek 3rd term (Jul 2025). No revolving door between government and private sector. No lobbying background. DHS Sec.-designee Palm left for Biden HHS (federal, not private sector).
WI Ethics Records; Evers Biography; Marquette Poll Jul 2025
3
Fraud losses in state programs
WI DWD estimated $550M-$600M in pandemic UI fraud losses — moderate nationally (California lost $31B+). DWD referred ~47,000 fraud cases for investigation. Implemented ID.me identity verification in 2021 to prevent future fraud. Recovery of overpayments ongoing. Legislature criticized DWD response speed but no systemic state-caused fraud.
WI DWD Fraud Reports; DOL OIG — Wisconsin; PolitiFact WI
2
Program integrity — eligibility verification
DHS BadgerCare Plus eligibility verification covers adults up to 100% FPL (only non-expansion state with no coverage gap). SAVE system for federal program immigration status verification. DWD added ID.me verification post-pandemic. Standard federal compliance — no CMS corrective actions against WI programs.
WI DWD Reports; WI DHS BadgerCare Data; CMS Compliance
3
IT system modernization
DOA Division of Enterprise Technology (DET) managing state IT modernization. DWD UI system severely strained during pandemic (one-week waiting period controversy — Evers wanted elimination, legislature blocked). System recovered post-pandemic. Broadband expansion: $1B+ BEAD federal investment secured (NTIA approved). State IT systems adequate but not cutting-edge.
WI DOA/DET Technology Reports; NTIA BEAD Approval; DWD UI Data
2
Permit processing timeliness
Business permits processed at standard pace. WI unemployment 3.1% (Dec 2024) — 1.2 points below national 4.3%. Record high employment achieved (Jun 2024 per BLS). Manufacturing remains WI's 3rd-largest sector though declining. Reasonable business environment maintained despite political dysfunction.
WI DATCP Permit Data; BLS LAUS Dec 2024; DWD Press Release Jun 2024
2
Child welfare system
DCF meets most federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) standards. Ongoing foster care challenges — recruitment and retention of foster families. Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake youth facilities achieved full compliance with 50 court-ordered reforms after years of abuse findings. $500M prison overhaul proposed (2025-27) includes new Dane County juvenile facility to replace Lincoln Hills.
ACF CFSR Results — WI; WI DCF Data; WI DOC Lincoln Hills Reports; WisconsinWatch Feb 2025
2
Medicaid program management
WI has NOT expanded Medicaid under ACA despite Evers proposing expansion in all 4 biennial budgets since 2019. Legislature's JFC removes it each time. WI covers adults to 100% FPL via waiver (only non-expansion state with no coverage gap). Expansion would save WI ~$1.6B per analysis. Bipartisan win: postpartum BadgerCare extended from 60 days to 12 months (signed 2025).
CMS Medicaid Reviews — WI; WI DHS BadgerCare Data; WI Dems $1.6B Analysis; WPR
2
Environmental program
Declared 2019 'Year of Clean Drinking Water.' Signed EO #40 (Aug 2019) creating PFAS Action Council (WisPAC). Signed PFAS/lead regulations aligning with EPA standards (2025). Legislature blocked $125M PFAS cleanup funds for years before releasing $133M (2025). DNR programs maintained. Legislature blocked broader environmental regulations.
EO #40 Aug 2019; WI DNR PFAS Reports; WPR PFAS Regulations; Wisconsin Examiner
2
Transportation project delivery
WisDOT project delivery adequate. $403M GO bonds for transportation (FY2024-25). I-94 and I-43 corridor improvements progressing. IIJA federal highway funds captured. State highway system (~11,800 centerline miles) maintained. Road conditions moderate by FHWA metrics. Broadband: $1B+ BEAD investment secured to connect 175,000+ locations.
WI DOT Project Delivery Reports; FHWA Data — Wisconsin; GO Bond Sale 2024-25
2
Unemployment insurance system
DWD UI system overwhelmed during pandemic — one-week waiting period remained because R legislature blocked Evers' request to eliminate it. System processed ~1.2M initial claims during pandemic surge. ID.me verification added in 2021. System recovered post-pandemic. WI unemployment at 3.1% (Dec 2024) — among lowest in nation.
WI DWD UI Performance Data; DOL UI Weekly Claims — WI; BLS LAUS
2
Veterans services
WI Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) services strong. King Veterans Home (est. 1887) addressed staffing and care issues. Veterans employment assistance, education benefits (GI Bill coordination), and mental health services maintained. WI has ~350,000 veterans. WDVA operates 3 veterans homes. Generally well-managed throughout tenure.
WI DVA Annual Reports; VA State Data — Wisconsin; WDVA Facilities Reports
3
Housing program effectiveness
Housing costs rising — WI median home ~$280K (up ~30% since 2019). Milwaukee homelessness increasing. WHEDA programs constrained. Legislature blocked Evers' housing investment proposals. 2023-25 budget did include some affordable housing expansion (signed by Evers via partial veto). Still more affordable than national median (~$412K) but gap narrowing.
Census ACS WI Housing Data; HUD PIT Count — WI; WHEDA Reports; Gov. Budget Signing Jul 2023
1
Corrections system
WI DOC facing significant challenges. Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake youth facilities achieved full compliance with 50 court-ordered reforms (not yet closed — closure plan delayed by legislative disputes, target 2029). Adult facility staffing shortages persist (Waupun, Green Bay). Evers proposed $500M prison overhaul in 2025-27 budget. Criminal Justice Reform Commission established but legislature blocked most recommendations. WI incarceration rate ~350/100K.
WI DOC Reports; Lincoln Hills Compliance; WisconsinWatch Feb 2025; BJS NPS — WI
1
Federal funding captured
Captured $2.53B ARPA SLFRF, $1B+ BEAD broadband (NTIA approved), IIJA highway/infrastructure funds. Legislature disputed ARPA allocation authority. Missed ~$1.6B in Medicaid expansion federal match (legislature blocked). Federal funding per capita moderate. Among top states in allocating federal COVID funds to businesses per PolitiFact.
USASpending.gov — Wisconsin; PolitiFact Aug 2022; NTIA BEAD; Census Federal Aid
2
Federal corrective action plans
WI is one of 10 states not expanding Medicaid — leaving ~$1.6B in federal match unclaimed (Evers proposed, legislature blocked each session since 2019). Otherwise minimal federal corrective actions. No federal agency sanctions. Standard compliance with SNAP, TANF, and other federal programs.
CMS Reviews — WI; Federal Agency Reviews; KFF Medicaid Expansion Tracker
2
Interstate cooperation
Active in Midwestern Governors Association and Great Lakes compact. Great Lakes Compact protects WI's freshwater resources (WI borders Lakes Michigan and Superior). Interstate cooperation on water quality, invasive species, and transportation corridors. Standard relations with neighboring states (MN, IL, IA, MI).
Interstate Compact Records; Great Lakes Commission; Midwest Governors Association
2
Local government relations
Generally cooperative with local governments. Distributed $411M+ in ARPA funds to 1,825 local governments. Some tensions over shared revenue formula and COVID response authority (after Supreme Court struck statewide order, counties had to set own policies). 72 counties with varying political leanings — Dane (Madison) and Milwaukee most aligned, rural counties less so.
WI League of Municipalities; WI Counties Association; ARPA SLFRF Distribution
2
Federal litigation costs
Moderate federal litigation costs. WI AG Josh Kaul (D, elected alongside Evers) handles most federal litigation. Some defensive posture against Trump 2.0 policies. Not among most litigious states. Act 369 (2018 lame duck) complicated AG's litigation authority — requires JFC approval for settlements.
WI DOJ Litigation Reports; Budget Legal Line Items; Act 369 Provisions
2
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's office maintains constituent services team with standard response times for inquiries, complaints, and assistance requests. Office handles correspondence from 5.9M WI residents. Response quality adequate per available metrics. No major backlogs or complaint surges documented.
Governor's Office Internal Metrics; WI Population Census 2020
3
Town halls held
Regular community appearances and listening sessions across WI's 72 counties. Known for 'boring but effective' governance style and 'calm Midwestern demeanor.' Not a flashy media presence but consistently accessible. Held town halls on budget priorities, education, and broadband. Former educator background makes him comfortable in community settings.
Governor's Office Schedule; Media Profiles; Caffeinated Politics Apr 2024
2
Constituent satisfaction
Marquette Law School Poll: 48% approve, 46% disapprove (Jun 2025). Morning Consult net approval +8.7 points (Apr 2024). Dipped below 50% first time in 2 years (Oct 2024). Won reelection 51.2% vs Michels' 47.8% (2022) — 3.4-point margin. Most consistently popular statewide politician in WI since 2018 per analysts. Announced will not seek 3rd term (Jul 2025).
Marquette Law School Poll Jun 2025; Morning Consult Apr 2024; WI Elections Commission 2022
2
ADA compliance
ADA compliance maintained across state agencies and facilities. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against WI during Evers tenure. DHS disability services operating within federal requirements. State buildings and digital services generally accessible. No documented ADA complaints against governor's office.
WI DHS Disability Services; DOJ ADA Reviews; WI DOA Facilities
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2018 by ~29,000 votes (49.5% vs Walker's 48.4%) and 2022 by ~90,000 votes (51.2% vs Michels' 47.8%) — improved margin by +1.7 points. In America's most politically competitive state (decided presidential races by <1% in 2016/2020), reelection with expanded margin is notable. Announced will not seek 3rd term (Jul 2025). New maps (signed Feb 2024) ended gerrymandered districts.
WI Elections Commission Results 2018, 2022; Marquette Poll Jul 2025; Clarke v. WEC
2

Section B — State Outcomes 570/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BEA SAGDP: WI GDP ~$380B. BLS LAUS: unemployment 3.2% (2024 — below national average). Manufacturing sector strong — WI remains major manufacturing state. Census ACS: median household income $72,458 (moderate). Job growth steady. Foxconn scaled back from $10B to much smaller investment but Evers managed expectations. BUT: brain drain — young graduates leaving for larger metros.
Census 2025: WI population ~5,931,370 (early 2025), growing ~30,000/yr. International migration now dominates: 22,000 from abroad vs 6,000 net domestic (2024). Median age shifted from 36 (2000) to 40 (2024) — significant aging. Milwaukee added population for first time in decade (~3,000 new residents, 2024). Dane County led growth (+8,600). 45 of 72 counties saw more deaths than births (2024) but migration offset losses in all but 16. Natural population change minimal (+1,200 births over deaths, 2025). Rural WI losing population. Growth rate well below national average.
AA credit rating. $1.9B Budget Stabilization Fund (record). WRS pension 100%+ funded — best in nation. $7.1B surplus going into 2023-25 biennium. Conservative fiscal management. Low debt. BUT: significant surpluses suggest possible undertaxation or underinvestment in services.
FBI UCR 2024: WI violent crime rate 279/100K — 22.4% below national average (ranked 30th). Property crime 1,154/100K (34.4% below national). Violent crime fell 6.5% in 2024 (vs 5.4% national decline). All seven UCR offense categories declined in 2024. Crime breakdown: aggravated assaults 71.8%, robberies 14.2%, rapes 12.5%, murders 1.5%. Milwaukee remains elevated (1,431 violent crimes/100K, 100 homicides in 2023). Kenosha unrest (Aug 2020): 2 killed by Rittenhouse (acquitted Nov 2021). Waukesha Christmas Parade attack (Nov 2021): 6 killed. Drug overdose deaths increasing but below national rate.
NAEP 2022: WI scores slightly above national average. 4th grade math 236 (vs national 235). 8th grade reading 261 (vs 260). HS graduation ~90% (good). UW System strong but funding battles ongoing. Act 10 long-term effects on teacher recruitment. Achievement gaps (Black-white) among widest in nation — significant racial education disparity.
Census ACS: uninsured 5.4% (good despite no full Medicaid expansion). BadgerCare Plus covers significant population. CDC: life expectancy ~77.8 (near national). Rural hospital challenges. Mental health access limited in northern WI. Opioid crisis manageable relative to neighboring states.
FHWA: WI road conditions moderate. WisDOT managing highway system. Broadband expansion progressing (significant rural gaps remain). Port of Milwaukee functional. No major infrastructure failures. Bridge conditions adequate.
BEA RPP: 94-96 (below national — relatively affordable). Median home ~$280K (below national). Property taxes high relative to income. Energy costs moderate. Milwaukee and Madison more expensive but still affordable vs coastal. Overall reasonable cost of living.
MIXED transparency record. WI Open Records Law (§19.31-19.39) has no specific response deadline ('as soon as practicable'). WILL (Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty) blasted Evers' office as 'disorganized and dysfunctional' on open records (2019 report). Evers took down Walker-era transparency dashboards — spokeswoman said they 'did not provide consistent information' and required 'significant staff time.' WI Freedom of Information Council president said 'no significant difference' between Walker and Evers administrations on records access. DOJ published updated Public Records Law Compliance Guide (Jun 2025). Budget transparency strong: LFB provides independent nonpartisan analysis, DOA Budget in Brief published each biennium, LAB conducts ~50 audits/yr (all published at legis.wisconsin.gov/lab). Ethics Commission functional. ARPA spending tracked via badgerbounceback.wi.gov.
Kenosha unrest (Aug 2020) — major national controversy. Guard deployment timing questioned. Rittenhouse acquittal divisive. COVID stay-at-home order struck down (Legislature v. Palm). 2018 lame-duck session challenged Evers' authority before he took office. 100+ vetoes reflects dysfunction rather than personal scandal. No personal corruption controversies.
Evers is WI's 46th governor, defeated incumbent Walker in 2018 by 1.1% (29,000 votes), won reelection 2022 by 3.4% (90,000 votes). Predecessor Walker (2011-2019, R) reshaped WI with Act 10 (collective bargaining restrictions) and Foxconn deal ($2.85B subsidies). Evers renegotiated Foxconn to $80M — saving $2.77B. Vetoed 126 R bills (breaking century-old record). Used line-item veto to lock school funding formula until year 2425 — unprecedented. 100%+ funded WRS pension (best in nation), $1.9B Budget Stabilization Fund (record), $4.3B general fund surplus. Restored public school funding commitment for first time in two decades. Connected 300,000+ homes/businesses via broadband (15x more than prior 4 years combined). Announced will not seek 3rd term (Jul 2025). Historical assessment: maintained fiscal stability and clean governance under most adversarial governor-legislature dynamic in America.
Morning Consult: 45-50% approval — moderate, polarized. Won reelection 51.2% (2022) — improved from 49.5% (2018). In America's most politically divided state, reelection itself is achievement. Not broadly popular but sustained enough support. Quiet, competent style not flashy.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +12 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 10 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
WI violent crime rate 279/100K (2024) — fell 6.5% in 2024 (vs 5.4% nationally). All seven UCR categories declined. 22.4% below national average. Positive trend.
FBI UCR/NIBRS 2024
+1
Homicide rate relative to national average
WI homicide rate approximately 5.5-6.0/100K — near national average of ~6.3/100K. Within 15% above/below. Milwaukee elevated (100 homicides 2023) but state average near national.
FBI UCR; CDC WONDER
0
Homicide clearance rate
WI homicide clearance rate approximately 45-50%. Near national average. Milwaukee PD clearance rate below statewide average but improving.
FBI UCR; WI DOJ
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
WI law enforcement staffing approximately 2.0-2.2/1K. Standard for Midwest. Some recruitment challenges in rural areas. Moderate levels.
FBI LEOKA; BJS
0
Drug overdose death rate trend
WI drug overdose death rate increased during tenure, now approximately 27-30/100K. Fentanyl is primary driver. Rate increase ~15%. Below worst states but worsening trend.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
-1
Emergency management preparedness
WI Emergency Management meets most FEMA capability targets. Adequate preparedness for weather events. Standard emergency management framework.
FEMA SPR; THIRA
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Kenosha unrest (Aug 2020): Evers deployed only 125 National Guard troops on Aug 24 (day after Jacob Blake shooting), doubled to 250 on Aug 25 — far short of what was needed. That night Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people (2 killed). Guard eventually scaled to 750+ by Aug 27 with out-of-state reinforcements. Evers' initial deployment was a direct decision that left the city inadequately protected. Waukesha Christmas Parade attack (Nov 2021, 6 killed) exposed systemic bail failures. Two major mass-casualty events during tenure with questionable gubernatorial response on the first.
WI National Guard Records; Kenosha County Records; NBC Chicago; Military.com; Waukesha County Court
-2
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
WI road and bridge conditions moderate-to-adequate. WisDOT managing highway system. Deficient bridges approximately 5-7%. IIJA funds improving conditions. No major infrastructure failures.
FHWA NBI; WisDOT
+1
Water and dam safety compliance
WI generally meets EPA SDWA standards. PFAS contamination is emerging concern but being addressed. Dam safety program adequate. No major drinking water crises.
EPA SDWIS; WI DNR
+1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
WI uninsured rate ~5.4% — strong despite no full Medicaid expansion. BadgerCare Plus covers significant population. Among lower uninsured rates.
Census ACS; KFF
+2
Maternal mortality rate
WI maternal mortality rate approximately 18-25/100K. Near national average with significant racial disparities (Black maternal mortality much higher). Within adequate range overall.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+1
Infant mortality rate
WI infant mortality rate approximately 5.5-6.0/1K. Near national average. Significant racial disparity — Black infant mortality approximately 3x white rate. Overall adequate.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
WI has Castle Doctrine with duty to retreat outside the home. No Stand Your Ground but reasonable self-defense framework. Castle Doctrine protections for home defense.
WI statutes §939.48; NRA-ILA
+1
Death penalty procedural safeguards
WI abolished death penalty in 1853 (first state). LWOP available. Victim services funded. Basic victim restitution framework adequate.
DPIC; WI statutes
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
WI suicide rate approximately 14-15/100K — near national average. State suicide prevention plan in place. 988 integration in progress. Average outcomes.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP WI
0
911/emergency response time adequacy
WI EMS response adequate in urban areas. Rural coverage standard for Midwest. NFPA compliance approximately 75-80%. Professional and volunteer departments operational.
NFPA; WI EMS data
+1
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
WI has opioid response programs. Treatment access improving. PDMP operational. Outcomes flat — overdose deaths still rising. Some response but outcomes not improving.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; WI DHS
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
WI has WDVA veteran services. State supplements federal VA. Veterans homes operational. Average veteran outcomes for Midwest state.
VA SAIL; NASDVA; WI DVA
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
WI food safety program strong — dairy industry requires robust inspection. FDA/USDA conformance above 85%. Wisconsin's dairy tradition drives strong food safety culture.
FDA Conformance Standards; WI DATCP
+1
Workplace fatality rate
WI workplace fatality rate approximately 3.5-4.0/100K FTE. Agriculture and manufacturing create risks. Within adequate range.
BLS CFOI
+1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
WI has DV fatality review. Programs funded. Rate near national average. Shelter capacity adequate. End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin active in prevention.
NNEDV; BJS; End Domestic Abuse WI
+1
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
WI corrections death rate near national average. Lincoln Hills juvenile facility was under federal consent decree — achieved full compliance with 50 court-ordered reforms under Evers. Adult facilities average.
BJS Mortality; WI DOC
0
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
WI meets most EPA NAAQS. PFAS contamination emerging concern with state response underway. No major nonattainment areas. Environmental enforcement adequate. DNR programs active.
EPA Green Book; WI DNR
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
WI traffic fatality rate approximately 1.2-1.4/100M VMT. Near national average. Rural road fatalities significant. Standard highway safety programs.
NHTSA FARS; WisDOT
0
Sanctity of life legislative framework
Evers vetoed pro-life legislation repeatedly. Called special session to repeal 1849 abortion ban (legislature gaveled in/out). Signed executive order protecting abortion access. 1849 ban ruled unenforceable. Abortion now legal to ~22 weeks. Removed most protections and actively expanded access.
Guttmacher; WI statutes; Dobbs v. Jackson (2022)
-2
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Created Office of Violence Prevention, awarded $15M in grants across 60 counties. Invested $56M federal funds in police and court backlogs. Homelessness assistance served 16,500.
wispolitics.com; wpr.org
0
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
Wisconsin gained 6,332 domestic migrants and 22,146 international in 2024. No significant closures reported. Tax rate dropped to 9.62%.
wispolicyforum.org; wpr.org
+1
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Directed $56M federal funds to police and court backlogs. Created Office of Violence Prevention. Focus on 'violence prevention' model rather than direct law enforcement support.
wpr.org; wispolitics.com
0
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Proposed $66M for crime victim services but rejected by legislature. Vetoed parole violation bill. Focus on prevention and rehabilitation.
wpr.org; evers.wi.gov
-1
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
WI DOC allows case-by-case transgender housing including women's facilities. Evers consistently vetoed biological sex-based housing bills.
urbanmilwaukee.com; wisconsinexaminer.com
-2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Proposed $300M for school mental health (10x previous funding). Created Interagency Council on Mental Health. DHS launched housing support for Medicaid members with mental health conditions.
thecentersquare.com; pbswisconsin.org
+1

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: -12 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
WI is shall-issue (Walker-era 2011 law) but Evers has actively sought to restrict firearms access. Called special session on gun control (Nov 2019). Proposed universal background checks, 48-hour waiting period restoration, ghost gun ban, and red flag law. Legislature blocked all attempts. Evers vetoed bill allowing concealed carry in vehicles on school grounds (2022). Direct actions consistently anti-2A even though legislature preserved status quo.
WI statutes; PolitiFact Evers-O-Meter; WPR; Gov veto records 2022
-1
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No semi-automatic rifle bans enacted in WI, but Evers called special session (Nov 2019) seeking gun control including restrictions. Legislature gaveled session closed in seconds. Democrats reintroduced 24+ gun safety bills over six years at Evers' urging — all blocked. Governor's direct action was calling the session and publicly supporting restrictions. Legislature, not Evers, preserved the status quo.
WI Legislature special session records Nov 2019; WPR; Capitol Times
-1
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions enacted in WI. Evers supports restrictions but legislature has blocked all gun control measures. Governor's public posture and advocacy consistently favor restricting magazine capacity. No direct legislative achievement, but repeated advocacy and special session calling against 2A rights.
WI statutes; NRA-ILA; Evers gun control proposals 2019-2025
-1
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
No ERPO enacted in WI but Evers directly proposed and unveiled a red flag bill (2019), called special session to pass it, and has advocated for it in every State of the State address since. Direct executive action to promote ERPO that bypasses traditional due process. Legislature blocked. Evers said in 2019 he was 'open to mandatory gun buyback program.'
WI statutes; Madison.com Oct 2019; Gov press releases; State of the State addresses 2020-2026
-1
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
WI enacted campus free speech protections under Walker (2017 Act 285 with penalties for disruption). Remains in effect under Evers. UW System has implemented protections. FIRE ranks UW favorably.
WI Act 285; FIRE campus rankings
+1
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
WI has limited anti-SLAPP protections. No comprehensive statute. Common law and narrow statutory provisions provide basic protection.
WI statutes; Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
No state RFRA in WI. Evers' COVID stay-at-home order restricted church gatherings alongside other venues (struck down by WI Supreme Court May 2020). Evers vetoed Parental Bill of Rights that included religious freedom provisions. DEI executive orders prioritize equity framework that can conflict with religious conscience. No affirmative religious liberty protections enacted during tenure.
WI statutes; Legislature v. Palm; veto records; EO records
-1
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
WI relies on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute enacted. Standard federal framework.
WI statutes; EFF
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
WI requires criminal conviction for most forfeitures. Among stronger forfeiture reform states. Some reporting requirements. Adequate reform framework.
IJ Policing for Profit; WI statutes
+1
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
WI enacted post-Kelo statutory reform restricting economic development takings. Meaningful restrictions on private-to-private transfers.
IJ/Castle Coalition; WI statutes
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
WI has average regulatory burden. Permitting timelines standard for Midwest. Some business complaints about environmental permitting delays. Mixed performance.
WI regulatory data; permitting records
0
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Evers has actively undermined state sovereignty on immigration enforcement. Issued April 2025 memo instructing state employees to demand judicial warrants before cooperating with ICE, effectively obstructing federal enforcement. Promised to veto GOP bill requiring county sheriffs to comply with ICE detainers. Did not join multistate litigation defending state sovereignty. Cooperative with federal mandates that align with his priorities, obstructive on immigration enforcement. Direct executive action undermining federal supremacy on immigration.
Evers ICE memo Apr 2025; PBS Wisconsin; CBS Chicago; veto threat on SB immigration bill; multistate litigation dockets
-2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
Evers issued executive order declaring 'We must intentionally address and dismantle individual and systematic racism' and mandated equity/inclusion as 'guiding principles and core values for every state workplace, program, activity, service, contract, and decision.' Proposed $10M in DEI grants (2021-23 budget). Vetoed $32M UW DEI cuts, saving 188 DEI positions. Race-conscious programs in state employment and contracting. Vetoed anti-DEI legislation. Direct executive actions imposing race-based frameworks across state government post-SFFA.
Evers DEI Executive Order; MacIver Institute May 2021; WPR; Wisconsin Examiner; WI budget records
-2
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
WI has state preemption of local firearms laws (enacted under Walker). Enforcement mechanism exists. Evers has not repealed. Some local challenges but preemption remains in effect.
WI statutes; NRA-ILA
+1
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
WI Open Records Law has no specific response deadline. WILL (Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty) blasted Evers' office as 'disorganized and dysfunctional' on open records (2019 report). Evers took down Walker-era transparency dashboards — spokeswoman said they required 'significant staff time.' WI Freedom of Information Council president said 'no significant difference' between Walker and Evers on records access. Budget transparency strong via LFB but governor's office transparency weakened.
WI Open Records Law; WILL 2019 report; RCFP; WI FOIC
-1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
WI public defender caseloads above recommended levels (200-250%). State Public Defender's Office underfunded. Some improvement but still below adequate. Rural coverage gaps.
Sixth Amendment Center; WI SPD
-1
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
WI has cash bail system. Waukesha parade attack perpetrator was released on $1,000 bail before killing 6 — exposed DA office bail failures. Legislature tightened bail after incident. Complex posture.
Pretrial Justice Institute; WI courts
0
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
WI has average regulatory burden. Neither notably burdensome nor notably free. Standard for Midwest industrial state. Some business-friendly provisions from Walker era remain.
Mercatus RegData; Fraser Institute
0
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms
Evers actively supports gun control legislation — called special session seeking universal background checks, red flag law, waiting period, ghost gun ban. Said he was 'open to mandatory gun buyback program' (Oct 2019). AG Josh Kaul (D, elected alongside Evers) has not filed pro-2A briefs. Evers created Office of Violence Prevention (Jan 2025) focused on gun violence. Vetoed concealed carry expansion bills. Governor's direct actions and public advocacy consistently oppose 2A rights.
Madison.com Oct 2019; WI AG filings; Gov press releases; WPR Jan 2025; veto records
-2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
Evers' DEI executive order mandated equity/inclusion as 'guiding principles and core values for every state workplace, program, activity, service, contract, and decision.' State agencies required to create DEI plans. UW System DEI requirements in hiring. Department of Revenue formed 'SOAR Racial Justice Delivery Team.' These mandates compel ideological conformity in state employment. Direct executive action imposing speech/viewpoint requirements.
Evers DEI Executive Order; MacIver Institute May 2021; WI DOA agency plans; UW System policies
-1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
WI has average interstate commerce environment. Dairy licensing creates some barriers. Generally standard for Midwest. No major documented conflicts.
IJ licensing data; WI statutes
0
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
WI has average licensing burden. Some military spouse recognition. Limited out-of-state license reform. Standard framework without major reform.
IJ License to Work; NCSL
0
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
WRS (Wisconsin Retirement System) pension 100%+ funded — BEST in nation. Zero contract impairments. Strong credit ratings. Exemplary compliance with contractual obligations.
Pew pension data; WRS; S&P/Moody's
+3
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
WI maintains adequate jury trial access. Court system functional. Some COVID-era backlogs resolved. Standard access statewide.
WI court annual reports; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause
Evers vetoed anti-sanctuary bills requiring sheriff cooperation with ICE detainers. Issued April 2025 memo instructing state employees to demand judicial warrants before cooperating with ICE, effectively obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Repeatedly proposed driver's licenses for illegal aliens in budget proposals (legislature blocked). No E-Verify mandate. Promised to veto bill penalizing counties that refuse ICE cooperation. White House border czar threatened Evers over obstruction. Direct executive actions obstructing federal immigration law enforcement.
8 USC §1373; veto records; Evers ICE memo Apr 2025; Gov budget proposals; Democracy Now May 2025; The Federalist May 2025
-2
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
No significant actions to strengthen or weaken qualified immunity.
N/A
0
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Urged Supreme Court to reverse ballot drop box restrictions. Championed expanded drop box access. Has not supported ballot chain-of-custody strengthening.
pbswisconsin.org; wpr.org
-1
Non-citizen voting prevention
Vetoed legislation requiring citizenship proof for voting, saying it could cause noncitizens to be 'treated unfairly.' Called illegal immigrants 'Wisconsinites.'
votebeat.org; freebeacon.com
-1
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Vetoed transgender athlete ban in April 2024, calling it 'hateful and discriminatory.' Said he'd be 'damn proud' to veto it.
thehill.com; cbsnews.com
-2

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000); Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972); Parham v. J.R. (1979); 14th Amendment substantive due process
Score: 6 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
Evers VETOED the Parental Bill of Rights passed by the Republican legislature. The bill would have established legal standards for state infringement on parental rights, codified parental rights over children's religion, medical care/records, and education, and created a cause of action against school districts for violating those rights. Evers wrote parents are 'first and best teachers' but called the bill an effort at 'dividing our schools.' Direct veto of parental rights codification.
WI veto records; Fox News; WPR; Gov veto message
-2
Education choice — school choice programs
WI has Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (nation's oldest voucher since 1990) and Racine Choice — both predating Evers. Evers VETOED Assembly Bill 970 which would have eliminated income limits for parental choice programs and removed pupil participation caps for statewide choice. Direct veto blocking expansion of school choice to all families. As former State Superintendent, Evers was a longstanding opponent of voucher expansion. Existing programs survive only because legislature protects them.
EdChoice; WI DPI; School Choice Wisconsin; WPR; Gov veto records
-1
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
Evers vetoed gender-transition restriction bill that included parental consent provisions. His veto of the Parental Bill of Rights also removed proposed parental rights over children's medical care and records. By vetoing these measures, Evers directly undermined statutory parental consent protections for minors' medical decisions. Standard parental consent remains for most procedures but governor blocked legislative strengthening.
WI statutes; veto records; Guttmacher; Gov veto messages
-1
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
Evers vetoed Assembly Bill 465 banning puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for transgender minors (Dec 2023). Pledged to veto the same bill again in 2025 when Assembly passed new version (Mar 2025). Stated 'I will veto any bill that makes Wisconsin a less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming place for LGBTQ people and kids.' Direct executive action twice blocking restrictions on irreversible medical procedures for children. State Medicaid covers some transition services.
WI veto records Dec 2023; Wisconsin Examiner Mar 2025; The Hill; Fox News; Gov press releases
-2
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
WI child abuse rate near national average. Rate relatively stable during tenure. Some CPS system improvements. No major systemic failures documented.
ACF NCANDS; WI DCF
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
WI foster care system meets approximately 4 of 7 CFSR outcomes. Average performance. Lincoln Hills juvenile facility achieved compliance with court-ordered reforms — positive development.
ACF CFSR; WI DCF
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
WI permanency outcomes near national median. Average time to permanency. Standard performance.
ACF AFCARS; WI DCF
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
WI has trafficking statute, ICAC participation, safe harbor provisions. AG enforcement active. Milwaukee identified as trafficking hub — increased focus and resources.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope International; WI AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
WI NAEP 4th grade reading: approximately 32-35% at/above proficient (2022). Slightly above national average. Achievement gaps (Black-white) among widest in nation — significant disparity.
NCES NAEP 2022
+1
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
WI NAEP 8th grade math: approximately 32-35% at/above proficient (2022). Near national average or slightly above. Math performance adequate.
NCES NAEP 2022
+1
Parental curriculum transparency
WI has general access to curriculum on request but no comprehensive statutory transparency mandate. Evers vetoed testing standards bills (Mar 2025) and opposed Republican education transparency legislation. As former State Superintendent, Evers has consistently sided with education establishment over parental oversight. Governor's direct vetoes blocked legislative efforts to strengthen curriculum transparency.
WI education code; Wisconsin Examiner Mar 2025; Gov veto records; school board policies
-1
Social media — minor protections
WI relies on federal COPPA baseline. No state-specific social media protections for minors enacted.
WI statutes; NCSL
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
WI juvenile jurisdiction to 18. Lincoln Hills youth facility closure planned (replaced with smaller regional facilities). Rehabilitation investment. Evers worked to reform juvenile system. Positive direction.
JJDPA; OJJDP; WI DCF
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
WI child poverty rate approximately 12-14%. Below national average of ~16%. Declining trend. Strong safety net in Midwest context.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
+1
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
WI has subsidized adoption program. Standard home study. Adequate recruitment programs. No major barriers documented.
ACF AFCARS; WI DCF
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
WI requires notification and minimum hours (875 hrs/yr) but no curriculum mandates, no mandatory testing. Reasonable framework. Homeschool protections adequate.
HSLDA; WI homeschool statutes
+1
Child sexual abuse material enforcement
WI participates in ICAC task force. AG enforcement adequate. Mandatory reporting compliance standard. Active enforcement.
ICAC; NCMEC; WI AG
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
WI has school safety programs. Evers signed school mental health funding. SRO availability in many schools. Threat assessment protocols. Standard safety framework.
NASRO; WI school safety legislation
+1
Children's mental health services access
WI school counselor ratio approximately 400-500:1. Some funded programs. Crisis services available but gaps in rural northern WI. Average access.
ASCA; WI DHS
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
WI provides religious and personal conviction exemptions for school vaccination. Broad parental choice in vaccination decisions. Adequate framework.
NCSL vaccination data; WI immunization statutes
+1
Child care affordability and access
WI child care subsidy at moderate FPL level. Some waitlists. Quality rating system (YoungStar). Average affordability. Standard for Midwest.
ACF CCDF; WI DCF child care
0
Education — teacher quality and retention
WI teacher workforce impacted by Act 10 long-term effects on collective bargaining. Vacancy moderate. Salary competitive for Midwest. Retention approximately 85-88%. Some shortage areas.
NCES; WI DPI workforce data
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
WI child food insecurity approximately 12-14%. School meal participation above 75%. Below national average. Summer programs active.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
+1
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
WI has adequate due process framework. Judicial review required. Appointed counsel in TPR. Standard protections in place.
WI child welfare statutes; ABA
+1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
WI generally 'Meets Requirements' on OSEP determinations. Most districts compliant. Special education funding adequate. Strong tradition of special education services.
OSEP annual determinations; WI DPI
+1

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Article IV, Section 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: 8 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
$7.1B surplus going into 2023-25 biennium. $4.3B general fund surplus. $1.9B Budget Stabilization Fund (record). Structural surplus every year. No budget gimmicks. National model fiscal management.
WI CAFR; NASBO; LFB
+3
State credit rating stability
WI credit ratings upgraded during Evers tenure: Moody's raised to Aa1 (stable), S&P raised to AA+ (stable). Among top 10 state credit ratings nationally. Upgrades reflect strong reserves, 100%-funded pension, and conservative budgeting. Direct improvement during tenure.
S&P Global; Moody's; Bond Buyer 2024
+2
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
$1.9B Budget Stabilization Fund — record high. Well above 15% of general fund. Growing. Statutory protections against raids. Exemplary reserves.
NASBO; Pew; WI CAFR
+3
Pension system funding responsibility
WRS (Wisconsin Retirement System) 100%+ funded — BEST funded state pension in America. Making 100% ARC. No unfunded liability. National model.
Pew pension data; WRS actuarial reports
+3
State debt burden
WI debt per capita below national median. Debt-to-GDP approximately 5-7%. Conservative debt management. Strong fiscal position.
Census; Moody's; WI DOA
+1
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
WI state workforce near national median per capita. Act 10 reduced some headcount previously. Standard government size. Not notably efficient or expanded.
Census public employment survey
0
Inspector General / state auditor independence
WI Legislative Audit Bureau conducts ~50 audits/yr (all published). Independent and functional. Governor generally responsive. Adequate oversight framework.
WI LAB; ALGA
+1
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Zero ethics violations. Zero personal scandals. Full financial disclosure. Clean record throughout tenure. No corruption concerns.
WI Ethics Commission; financial disclosures
+2
Executive order restraint
COVID stay-at-home order (Safer at Home) struck down by WI Supreme Court 4-3 (Legislature v. Palm, May 2020) — first state high court to overturn governor's COVID order. Issued FIVE serial emergency declarations after court ruled 60-day limit applied — all ruled illegal in Fabick v. Evers (Mar 2021). Used line-item veto to strike digits creating 400-year school funding lock — unprecedented manipulation of constitutional veto power (upheld 4-3 by liberal court majority in Lemieux v. Evers, Apr 2025). Pattern of stretching executive power beyond recognized limits.
Legislature v. Palm, 2020 WI 42; Fabick v. Evers, 2021 WI 28; Lemieux v. Evers, 2025 WI 12; WILL
-2
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
WI Statute §323.10 limits emergencies to 60 days without legislative extension. Evers issued FIVE consecutive COVID emergency declarations (Mar 2020, Jul 2020, Sep 2020, Nov 2020, Feb 2021) without legislative approval, each attempting to reset the 60-day clock. WI Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in Fabick v. Evers (Mar 31, 2021) that all declarations after the first were illegal. Evers repeatedly exceeded statutory limits — legislature had to sue twice (Legislature v. Palm AND Fabick v. Evers) to stop emergency power abuse.
Fabick v. Evers, 2021 WI 28; WI Statute §323.10; WILL; PBS Wisconsin; Federalist Society
-2
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Evers vetoed 219+ bills outright and 7+ partially as of April 2024 — the most prolific veto governor in Wisconsin history. Vetoed 126 bills in the 2021-22 session alone (32% of all bills passed — far exceeding historical average). Vetoed 72 bills in 2023-24 session. Used 51 partial vetoes on 2023-25 budget, 78 on 2025-27 budget. Zero legislative cooperation — most adversarial governor-legislature relationship in America. Governance by veto rather than negotiation.
WI legislative records; Urban Milwaukee Apr 2024; NCSL; Wisconsin Examiner; Gov veto records
-3
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Evers judicial appointments generally qualified. Standard process followed. No documented patronage concerns.
WI judicial appointment records
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Evers implemented most enacted legislation but showed selective enforcement on Republican priorities. Used administrative agencies to slow-walk some implementations. WI Supreme Court struck down his partial veto of literacy law (Jun 2025) — finding he had altered legislative intent. Pattern of using executive tools to circumvent or reshape enacted legislation rather than faithfully implementing.
WI agency rulemaking; legislative oversight; Wisconsin Examiner Jun 2025
-1
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal funds managed adequately. ARPA funds deployed for broadband (300,000+ homes connected). IIJA funds deployed. No major audit findings or clawbacks.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; USAspending.gov
+1
Public approval as competence indicator
Morning Consult 45-50% approval — moderate. Won reelection 51.2% (2022). Polarized state. In most divided state in America, maintaining 50% is notable. Average-to-adequate approval.
Morning Consult; election results
+1
State IT security and data protection
WI has CISO. Adequate cybersecurity posture. No major breaches during tenure. Standard IT security framework.
NASCIO; WI state auditor
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
WI capital budget execution approximately 80-85%. Broadband expansion significant (300,000+ homes). IIJA funds deployed for transportation. Adequate execution.
ASCE; WisDOT; WI budget
+1
Disaster fund readiness
WI disaster fund adequate. FEMA obligations met. Standard readiness for Midwest weather events.
FEMA; WI emergency management
+1
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
WI UI trust fund adequate. Processing within timelines. Standard fraud controls. Low unemployment supports solvency.
DOL UI Data Summary; WI DWD
+1
Medicaid program integrity
WI BadgerCare Plus has standard error rates. Budget within appropriation. No major sanctions. Adequate integrity.
CMS PERM; WI DHS
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
Evers vetoed SIX Republican election integrity bills (Aug 2021) including bills to prevent abuse of 'indefinitely confined' status, limit absentee ballot drop-off sites, and bar automatic absentee ballot mailings. Urged WI Supreme Court to reverse drop box restrictions. Opposed voter roll maintenance (Mosinee ruling to purge 234K inactive voters). While WI has photo ID and paper ballots, Evers' direct vetoes blocked legislative efforts to strengthen election integrity.
EAC EAVS; WI Elections Commission; WPR Aug 2021; PBS Wisconsin; Gov veto records
-1
Transparency — state budget accessibility
WI has budget documents online. LFB provides independent nonpartisan analysis. DOA Budget in Brief published. LAB audits published. Adequate but not exemplary transparency portal.
U.S. PIRG; WI LFB; WI DOA
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Evers vetoed anti-sanctuary bills. Issued ICE obstruction memo to state employees (Apr 2025). Promised to veto bill requiring sheriff cooperation with ICE detainers. White House border czar threatened Evers over immigration obstruction. While WI is not formally a sanctuary state, governor's direct actions actively obstructed federal-state cooperation on immigration enforcement. Cooperated with federal government on non-immigration issues.
Federal compliance records; Evers ICE memo; veto records; Democracy Now May 2025; NGA
-1
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
LG Sara Rodriguez in place. COOP plan current. Clear succession chain. Adequate continuity. Evers announced will not seek 3rd term.
WI Constitution; FEMA COOP
+1
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
WI procurement generally competitive. No major procurement scandals under Evers. Standard controls in place. Clean procurement record.
WI procurement office; state auditor
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Wisconsin gas tax 32.9 cents/gallon, ranking 20th nationally. No gas tax increase or decrease under Evers.
salestaxhandbook.com; wispolitics.com
0
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Wisconsin has second-highest electricity rates in Midwest. PSC approved $2B+ in rate increases. Purchasing renewable energy certificates for 20 years.
townhall.com; washingtonexaminer.com
-1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
Executive order set 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. Purchasing 225,000 renewable energy certificates annually. 70% renewable mandate proposed for data center tax breaks.
utilitydive.com; cleanwisconsin.org
-1
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
State/local tax rate dropped to 9.62% of income. $1.5B annual tax relief. 15% income tax cut for most Wisconsinites.
thecentersquare.com; pbswisconsin.org
+1
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Vetoed 'Red Tape Reset' deregulation package. A 10% regulatory reduction could increase GDP by $6.6B per study.
wispolitics.com
-1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
400-year school funding veto locks in per-pupil revenue increases for centuries. Vetoed regulatory reform. New spending mandates on local services.
politifact.com; wispolitics.com
-1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Tax cuts implemented but electricity rates rising, housing costs increasing, 400-year spending commitment creates long-term pressure.
wispolitics.com; evers.wi.gov
0
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Supported sanctuary cities. Pushed back against border czar, called ICE enforcement 'chilling.' Proposed driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Called them 'Wisconsinites.'
freebeacon.com; wisconsinexaminer.com
-2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
Assisted 16,500 with shelter, 2,000 with rental assistance. But limited spending-to-outcomes accountability metrics.
evers.wi.gov; dhs.wisconsin.gov
0
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
No encampment enforcement legislation signed. Violence prevention approach focuses on social services rather than enforcement.
evers.wi.gov
-1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Wisconsin saw record net migration, highest in 20 years. 6,332 domestic plus 22,146 international in 2024.
wispolicyforum.org; wpr.org
+1
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Manufacturing base relatively stable. Regulatory environment not driving significant exodus but not attracting major relocations.
wispolicyforum.org
0
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
Declined to act on complaint to remove Milwaukee DA after Darrell Brooks released on $1,000 bail, killing 6 at Waukesha parade.
abcnews.go.com; washingtonpost.com
-1
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Championed expanded ballot drop boxes, urged Supreme Court reversal of ban. Has not supported audit transparency measures.
pbswisconsin.org; wpr.org
-1
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No credible evidence of weaponizing state agencies.
N/A
0
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
No actions on Chinese land purchases, TikTok bans, or Confucius Institutes. Pushed back against federal enforcement.
N/A
-1
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